Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has described himself as the “most important” politician from the South-East, firmly dismissing any comparison with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday night, Kalu insisted he would not speak about Obi unless both men were present in a live debate.
“I am a member of the APC, and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi. I’ve said this before on this channel,” Kalu stated. “It’s not for any particular reason, but I just don’t want to discuss him. Ask me about the leader of my party — I’ll answer, whether the question is right or wrong.”
When host Seun Okinbaloye suggested that many Igbos might naturally rally behind Obi, and asked why Kalu seemed uneasy at the mention of Obi’s name, the senator cut in, “No, because I don’t want to discuss him. I’ve told you before — if you want me to discuss Peter Obi, give us two hours. You’ll sit in the middle; put him there, put me here, and we’ll settle it.”
Defending his political standing, Kalu asserted, “He is not my leader. I am the most important politician from the South-East. I have won two states under the PPA; I’ve run for president before. My 4.9 million votes from 2007 are still there. We built something real with the PPA — we had ministers, ambassadors. Anyone can contest for president, but ask me questions that concern me.”
As the host pressed further, Kalu retorted, “If you’re a Labour Party member, keep it to yourself. For the last time, let’s fix it — in two weeks, put Peter Obi there, put me here. On any platform. Then you can ask me anything about Peter Obi, and I’ll answer.”
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